Kenya’s senior public service leadership convened in Kisumu this week to review the performance of government agencies and chart priorities for 2026.
The End of Year Public Service Reflection Dinner and Agenda-Setting Retreat, held at Tom Mboya Labour College, brought together Principal Secretaries, heads of state corporations, constitutional commissions, and other senior officials to strengthen service delivery and accountability.
The retreat, themed “A highly performing, efficient, effective and people-centric Public Service,” served as a platform to assess progress made in 2025 and identify challenges requiring urgent attention.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei emphasized that next year should be marked by disciplined execution of government programs, with citizens directly experiencing improvements in public services.
Chief Guest Dr. John Mbadi, Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, underscored the importance of financial prudence and efficiency in implementing national development plans.
The gathering also included Cabinet Secretaries Dr. Alfred Mutua (Labour & Social Protection), Dr. Gitobu Rukuka (Public Service), Hon. Julius Migos Ogamba (Education), Dr. Beatrice Askul Moe (EAC & ASALS), Dr. Oparanya (Cooperatives & MSME Development), and Dr. Opiyo Wandayi (Energy & Petroleum).
Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Ochieng Owili and COTU Secretary-General Francis Atwoli attended alongside legislators and senior officials from across the country.
During the retreat, officials exchanged strategies to improve operational efficiency, streamline coordination among ministries, and enhance accountability mechanisms.
Koskei highlighted that public servants must ensure policies translate into measurable results for citizens, reinforcing the government’s ongoing reforms aimed at modernizing the civil service.
The gathering also reflected Kenya’s broader push for a results-oriented public sector.
Since the introduction of performance contracts in 2013, successive administrations have sought to enhance transparency, efficiency, and citizen satisfaction across state institutions.
The 2025 review provided an opportunity to reinforce these reforms and set concrete targets for 2026.